Lamotrigine-associated toxic epidermal necrolysis

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is an uncommon, idiosyncratic, potentially fatal dermatologic emergency affecting skin and mucous membranes. It is characterized clinically by blistering and widespread exfoliation, and pathologically by apoptosis of keratinocytes and epidermal necrosis. Drugs are one of the most common causative agents. The management ranges from nutritional support, care of denuded skin and mucosa to intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). The patient being reported developed TEN, secondary to lamotrigine; an anti-epileptic drug also used for bipolar disorder. On admission, lamotrigine was discontinued, he was managed symptomatically and given IVIG for three days. His condition started to improve after the first dose and he got discharged on 6th day of admission.

Automated summary

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a rare but serious dermatologic emergency that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Drugs are the most common cause, and the management options include nutritional support, care of denuded skin and mucosa, and IVIG treatment.